5 Facts About the Decemberists' 'Picaresque' Release

Kill Rock Stars released the album in March 2005. The label handled the original release of the Decemberists’ third studio album.

The album title refers to a picaresque narrative style. This genre typically follows a roguish protagonist through episodic adventures.

‘Picaresque’ was the band’s first album to chart on the Billboard 200. It peaked at number 128, marking a commercial breakthrough for the group.

The album was recorded in a church in Portland, Oregon. The band used the space to capture a live, organic sound.

It features the single “Sixteen Military Wives.” The song became one of the Decemberists’ most recognized tracks.